Question

Four substances are tested for different properties. The results of the tests are in the table below.

Substance
Combustible
Reactivity
Solubility in water
Solubility in ether
Boiling point (ºC)
W
Yes
Yes
Soluble
Insoluble
883
X
Yes
No
Insoluble
Insoluble
2,750
Y
Yes
No
Insoluble
Soluble
196
Z
No
Yes
Soluble
Soluble
98

Which substance is most likely an alkane?
W
X
Y
Z

Answer 1

Answer:

Element Y,  or the third option

Explanation:

Alkanes are insoluble in water, but soluble in ether.  Their boiling points are pretty low, barely reaching 200 degrees, so element Y is an alkane.